The Times MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1937. Colonies For Germany

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 68, 22 March 1937, Page 6

The Times MONDAY, MARCH 22, 1937. Colonies For Germany

It should be an aid to clear thinking, and, perhaps, to an ultimate settlement of the question, if sympathisers with German aspirations would realise that there can be no general “return” of the former German colonies in Africa, writes Sir Claud Russell in a letter to the London Times. There are obvious reasons for which no British Government will abandon Tanganyika, and the same may be said of the Union Government as regards South-West Africa. “If ever any cession of territory is made to Germany- it will be in the interests of peace and as a contribution to a general settlement, and not in recognition of past errors or to right a wrong. Also, may I suggest that it serves no purpose to persist in telling the Germans that colonies are of no use or advantage to the owners. One is reminded of the rich man assuring his poor neighbour that wealth brings only troubles in its train. Germans remain unconvinced. “It may clear the air if we give the matter a practical aspect and consider how African territory can be ceded with the least inconvenience to the owners and with the best prospect of satisfying the natural, if not legitimate, wishes of Germany.” Sir Claud Russell then outlines a scheme whereby Germany would be ceded a large area of varied resources in West Africa, taken from the colonies and mandates of France, Britain, Belgium and Portugal. He explains that his purpose is to put the question in the light of a concrete proposition which accords with the wise words of Sir Arnold Wilson, when he spoke of a “general settlement in which all must play a part and to which all must contribute.”